Lilia determined that plant response to weak static magnetic fields is dependent on environmental changes in water and nutrient cycling, and on genetic alterations in expression of essential genes in the root developmental network, providing evidence for plant magnetoreception and complex magnetoresponse mechanisms.

Lilia’s project has implications for the development of sustainable agriculture, and presents novel implications surrounding new strategies to increase plant environmental tolerance, increase yields, and close yield gaps, providing more food to keep up with our growing population. Her research presents evidence that weak static magnetic fields can be used to influence plant nutrient and water absorption and improve plant growth, mass, yield, and development. By closing yield gaps and using less fertilizer and water and preventing genetic damage to plants, we could improve agriculture production and increase food production worldwide, improving quality of life for many people around the world.

Lilia is a freshman at Stanford University and plans to major in computer science with a biocomputation track while jointly pursuing premedical studies, eventually obtaining an MD/Ph.D. in bioinformatics. She has been an Intel Science Talent Search Finalist and National Merit Finalist. Lilia also sang in her school’s choir, in the select A Capella Chorus and the Chamber Chorus, eventually receiving a Music Letter. Lilia also played field hockey, was president of Key Club, and tutored middle school students involved with Kids for the Future.